The Truth About Swimming and Ear Health — From Swimmer’s Ear to Long-Term Hearing Risks

Swimmers ear issue and treatment
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The Truth About Swimming and Ear Health — From Swimmer’s Ear to Long-Term Hearing Risks

The Truth About Swimming and Ear Health — From Swimmer’s Ear to Long-Term Hearing Risks

Summer means sunshine, splashy fun, and long days spent in pools, lakes, and oceans. But while swimming is a great way to stay active and cool down, few people think about what all that water exposure can do to their ears. From short-term irritation to long-term hearing issues, swimming can pose risks you may not even notice until it’s too late.

If you or your kids spend a lot of time in the water, here's what you need to know about how swimming affects your ears — and how to protect them.

What Happens to Your Ears When You Swim?

Every time you dive in, water enters your ear canal. Normally, this drains out on its own, but sometimes it gets trapped. When water lingers, it creates a moist environment that bacteria love, especially in warm, chlorinated, or dirty water.

Even clean water can:

  • Disrupt the natural balance of earwax
  • Irritate the skin lining the ear canal
  • Lead to inflammation or infection

Over time, repeated exposure without proper care can wear down the ear's natural defenses.

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear (medically known as otitis externa) is one of the most common ear conditions linked to swimming. It’s an infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by trapped water that allows bacteria or fungi to grow.

Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include:

  • Itching inside the ear
  • Redness or swelling
  • Pain, especially when touching the ear
  • Drainage of fluid
  • A feeling of fullness or muffled hearing

Left untreated, swimmer’s ear can become more severe and may even lead to temporary hearing loss.

Long-Term Risks of Frequent Swimming

If ear health isn't protected, long-term swimmers may face more than just occasional infections. Here are some of the long-term effects of repeated water exposure:

1. Chronic Ear Infections

Some swimmers develop frequent bouts of swimmer’s ear, leading to chronic irritation and inflammation. This can damage the ear canal and increase the risk of more serious infections.

2. Hearing Loss

Persistent fluid buildup or repeated infections can impair hearing over time. In children, this can affect speech development and learning. In adults, it can decrease quality of life and increase frustration.

3. Surfer’s Ear (Exostoses)

Though more common in surfers, this condition can also affect avid swimmers. It occurs when cold water and wind exposure cause bony growths in the ear canal, which can trap water and lead to more infections or hearing issues.

4. Perforated Eardrum

In rare cases, untreated infections or aggressive cleaning can lead to a ruptured eardrum, which may require medical intervention and can cause hearing loss.

How to Protect Your Ears While Swimming

The good news? Most water-related ear issues are preventable. Here are simple steps to keep your ears healthy all summer long:

  • Use swim ear plugs: These can help block water from entering the ear canal entirely.
  • Dry your ears properly: Tilt your head to each side after swimming. Use a towel or a gentle hair dryer on a low setting (held at a safe distance) to help dry the canal.
  • Avoid putting objects in your ears: This includes cotton swabs, which can push wax or water deeper and cause damage.
  • Use over-the-counter drying drops: Especially after swimming in lakes or the ocean.
  • Keep ears clean and wax under control: Regular check-ups with your ENT can help ensure earwax is managed safely.

When to See an ENT Specialist

Sometimes, home care isn't enough. You should see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist if you or your child experiences:

  • Ongoing ear pain or discomfort
  • Persistent fluid drainage
  • Hearing loss that doesn’t improve
  • Recurring ear infections, especially after swimming

Early intervention can help prevent long-term damage and keep you enjoying your favorite water activities without worry.

Don’t Let Ear Pain Spoil Your Summer

Swimming should be a source of joy — not discomfort or hearing problems. By understanding the risks and taking simple steps to protect your ears, you can enjoy every splash, dive, and cannonball with peace of mind.

Need help managing recurring ear infections or swimmer’s ear?

Our ENT team at Cumberland Valley ENT is here to help. Book a consultation today and let us help you protect your hearing for years to come.

Call Us!  (301) 241-7591 (button link to phone number)

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